DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/9WVX-AM44
Defense Date
2010
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Integrative Life Sciences
First Advisor
Danail Bonchev
Abstract
Several biomolecular pathways governing the control of cellular processes have been discovered over the last several years. Additionally, advances resulting from combining these pathways into networks have produced new insights into the complex behaviors observed in cell function assays. Unfortunately, identification of important subnetworks, or “motifs”, in these networks has been slower in development. This study focused on identifying important network motifs and their rate of occurrence in two different biomolecular networks. The two networks evaluated for this study represented both ends of the spectrum of interaction knowledge by comparing a well defined network (apoptosis) with and poorly studied network that was early in development (autism). This study identified several motifs that could be important in governing and controlling cellular processes in healthy and diseased cells. Additionally, this study revealed an inverse relationship when comparing the occurrence rate of these motifs in apoptosis and autism.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
December 2010